Flying Ant

Designed by renowned Australian naval architect John Spencer in 1967, this compact centerboard dinghy represents classic small boat design principles with modern construction techniques. The Flying Ant combines traditional wood construction with fiberglass reinforcement, creating a lightweight yet durable platform that tips the scales at just 90 pounds. With its fractional sloop rig and generous sail area of 73 square feet, this dinghy delivers impressive performance for its modest 10.5-foot length. The high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 58.17 indicates excellent light-air performance and spirited sailing characteristics, making it particularly well-suited for protected waters, harbor sailing, and small boat racing. The boat's narrow 4.25-foot beam contributes to its lightweight construction while maintaining adequate stability for single-handed or two-person sailing. Built by Dinghy Sports in Australia, the Flying Ant gained recognition in the antipodean small boat community during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and shallow water exploration, while the capsize screening formula of 3.79 suggests reasonable stability for experienced small boat sailors. This dinghy appeals to sailors seeking a responsive, traditional-style boat for day sailing and informal racing in sheltered conditions.

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